News on Tap Summer 2019

GMoldoemnents + THE new face of our heritage ales + MAGICAL HISTORY TOUR + COMPETITION: NAME OUR NEW PUB!

McMullen & Sons Limited The Hertford Brewery 26 Old Cross Hertfordshire SG14 1RD [email protected] ©Copyright 2018 McMullen & Sons Ltd. Facebook/mcmullens1827 @mcmullens1827

INVESTING IN OUR PUBS AND OUR PEOPLE Thanks again for such positive build project in the works, as well feedback in our annual Team as continued investment in our Survey. After last year’s responses current pubs. we increased bonuses, committed to better scheduling, improved our Every day, I see team members review process and introduced new looking after guests in a way that discounts on food and drink. We’re makes me proud. It’s thanks to now reviewing this year’s feedback you, plus our loyal guests and and finding ways to make Mac’s an supportive shareholders, that we even better place to work. can continue to invest and grow. That’s not all we’ve got underway. Heydon Mizon We’re taking over a new London Joint Managing Director pub this summer and another just after Christmas. There’s a new 3

4-7 brewery HAeritlaegs eTHE NEW FAOCFEOUR What’s brewing across Mac’s? Known for generations as Our flagship beers get a ‘Mac’s’, our pubs and beers facelift and Stronghart makes enjoy a proud heritage an appearance. 8-17 people Our talented teams in the spotlight. Help name our new pub for a chance to win £100 worth of McMullen’s vouchers. 18-21 kitchen The search for Chef of the Year gets underway. Discover some exciting new flavours on our summer menu. 22-27 marketing There’s music in the air at our fabulous fundraising festivals. Take a history trip to discover more about Mac’s origins. 29 TENANCY Meet the new tenants taking the helm at Sawbridgeworth, Barnet and Waltham Abbey. 30 EVENTS Charity runners and riders hit the road.

Our new pump clip designs celebrate the unique flavour and history of our three flagship brews Country Best IPA AK Originally brewed in the Peter McMullen was first This smooth, malty ale once mid-60s to include more recorded brewing an reigned supreme as the drink malt, more body and a higher East India Pale Ale in the of the day and is still a firm alcohol level than standard Hertfordshire Mercury in favourite. We’re proud to say bitters, Country Best has 1840. There is a historic we still use exactly the same stood the test of time. connection between the East 1833 recipe, making every pint India Company and Hertford a literal blast from the past. The fallow deer in our new with its administrators being design is often seen around trained at Hertford Castle But is it a bitter or a mild? the Hertford countryside – as before the foundation of AK’s strength, plus a number well as above every one of Haileybury College on the of factors, means it can be our pub doors. outskirts of the town. We classed as either. Long-term have restored our IPA’s drinkers may remember that original name, EIPA, in tribute 25 years ago we changed to its history. the name to bitter to reflect modern tastes. Now, the time feels right to shout about the brew’s heritage as the original pint of mild. THE BREWERY — www.mcmullens.co.uk 4–5

TattooJUST StronghartIN SEARCH OF OF US ‘Why don’t we serve stronghart on tap?’ our partnership with Bad Monday It’s a great question and one we get For a limited time only, guests asked a lot at the brewery. We might at our flagship pubs in and around We’ve had some fantastic feedback be biased but we love the stuff! Hertfordshire were able to sample following the launch of Rivertown a batch of specially brewed, beers across the Mac’s estate. So With a ruby-red colour, hints ultra-rare, wooden-cask- much so, we’re continuing in this of chocolate and rich, roasted conditioned Stronghart. fresh direction by working with taste, CAMRA described it as Bad Monday Apparel, the iconic ‘liquid Christmas pudding’. And Guests were given clues in order tattoo-inspired clothing brand. With we’ve always brewed it to be to hunt down the location of the Bad Monday’s rapid retail growth bottled and kept for a special brew, with some travelling for amongst 20-35 year olds, we’ve occasion... until now. miles to try the one-off beer. been equally inspired to reach out and join forces. Our brief was simple, but would prove to be a winner – to brew a 5% ABV IPA with a hoppy character. Our expertise and breadth of ingredients drew us to create a recipe incorporating Summit (USA) and Tiheke (New Zealand Cascade) hops for a fruity-citrus American West Coast vibe, and the addition of oats and wheat to give extra body and punch for curious taste buds. Bad Monday VIPs – owner Mark, Tom and Sean – visited our site on 11th June to take part in the brew, with their immaculate clothing quickly ruined as they joined in the fun! To celebrate the launch of the new IPA, Bad Monday organised live bands at the White Hart to drum up support for the collaboration – and to taste the beer, of course.

“I’m looking Get to know the new area forward to working manager of London Pubs and high street premium bars with my team and developing the business over the coming years.” Simon GiffordAGRPAINBTBIWNIGTH l I started out in 1998 as a graduate I’d always heard great things about trainee at Vaux Brewery in Sunderland. McMullen’s and their values really The hospitality industry appealed to resonated with me, so I was over me – I never wanted a 9-to-5 office the moon to be offered this position. job, I liked working with people, and l I’ve been here for six weeks now, Ioved discounted food and drinks! so I’m still very much the new boy. After a few years running a pub My aim has always been to create I became trainee area manager, happy, successful teams, and I’m before moving to the South East for looking forward to working with my a role looking after Spirit’s pubs in team and developing the business North London. Three years later I over the coming years. With new joined M&B, managing pubs in the London sites coming on board, it’s West End. In 2010 I joined Fuller’s an exciting time! as an Operations Manager for the Outside of work I have two Ale & Pie pubs and built a fantastic teenage children, Jack and Alfie, team. And from there, I spent time to keep me entertained. I also love developing the Southern Division of travelling, walking and – of course – pubs for Samuel Smith. visiting pubs. THE BREWERY — www.mcmullens.co.uk 6–7

Silverservice FRONT OF HOUSE Huge congratulations to the following Team Supervisors, who’ve now been promoted to Team Leader having completed their Silver Award for front of house. ’’ Martin Rivas, White Swan ’’ James Parrack, Bull ’’ Darryll Tarrant, Millstream ’’ Ruta Pipinyte, Nags Head CG ’’ Kirsty Giddings, Millstream ’’ Adas Ginevicius, Peahen ’’ Maria Pollock, Jolly Postie ’’ Kimberley McQuade, White Horse ’’ Petra Barnard, Plough (Sewardstone) ’’ Aimee Hill, Hollybush ’’ Thomas Ellwood, White Swan

CONGRATULATIONS TO COLLEAGUES LANDING AWARDS The Silver Award is part of ‘Mac’s Way’, the McMullen’s career pathway. It takes our team members through essential training both in-house and off-job, in cellar management, licensing, leadership, kitchen skills and much more. In this training calendar alone we’ve promoted 31 people through the programme. Well done team and we look forward to seeing you progress further. KITCHEN Since the last edition of News on Tap two of our chefs have completed their Silver Award and been promoted to Assistant Kitchen Manager. To complete their award, Jay and Louise had to cost, cook and present two dishes at our training kitchen in Hertford, and give feedback on what they’d learnt from the programme and how they’d taken their new knowledge and skills into the kitchen. We love seeing our people progress and we’re sure Jay and Louise have a bright future with us. ’’ Jay Mills, Jolly Fisherman ’’ Louise Smith, Wheelwrights PEOPLE — www.mcmullens.co.uk 8–9

EveryMAKING penncyount Tom McMullen introduces the Mac’s Hart Trust As a company with community at its core, we’ve always  For every £10 raised, the Mac’s Hart Trust worked hard to give something back. And we can be can agree to top the amount up by an really proud of our fundraising efforts – together, our extra £1. Or, if raising funds for the Trust’s pubs, brewery, guests and team members raise an annual selected charity, an extra £2. incredible £100,000 for charity every year.  Pubs and guests can visit the Mac’s Hart But we’re always thinking about how we can do even Trust website to track their fundraising more, and that’s how the Mac’s Hart Trust came about. progress and hear back from the charities Our new charity venture means that: to find out how the money is spent.  A minimum 100% of funds raised by pubs As well as ensuring every penny we raise goes to its – including collection jars on bars – will go intended cause, the new Trust will give us all a better to their nominated charity, with no risk of understanding of how our efforts help to make a costs being deducted by third parties. difference. We’ll be contacting pub managers with more information on how the scheme will work very soon.

TINHE  Day LifeA  As a Training and Recruitment Co-ordinator, Phill Ritter helps make Team survey: sure our pubs have the right people – and our people have the right THE RESULTS skills. Typical tasks include: ARE IN îî Recruiting new team members Thanks to everyone who completed this year’s îî Training and developing people at new and existing sites Team Survey. îî Co-ordinating the McMullen’s Training and Development Centre We’re delighted to hear that the changes we’ve made since îî Running the Mac’s Learning Hub app last year – including bonus schemes, discounted drinks îî Working with our apprenticeship partners to and posting team rotas a let team members learn while they earn week in advance – have had a positive impact. îî Working with local catering colleges You told us you wanted regular îî Organising the advertising of position openings across sites performance reviews to talk about your development and îî Reviewing candidate applications for senior get your opinion heard. And our team member opportunities Kitchen Managers told us they’d like better communication, plus And the best bit? “I love organising team events, including the more chance to contribute their Team Member of the Year Competition, Assistant’s Day, and the ideas. These are both areas McFifa Football Tournament. Every day I get to see people grow we’re going to be working hard and become the best they can be, which is really rewarding.” on over the coming months. PEOPLE — www.mcmullens.co.uk 10 – 11

Mo v eTOHNE Name: Dan Huggett Current role: GM at The Crusader, Roydon Previous role: Assistant Manager at The Plough, Sewardstone Why did you choose to work at Mac’s? It was my local pub, starting out as a part-timer when I was at university. I enjoy the feeling of being part of a big family, where everyone is a great support to each other. Tell us an interesting fact about yourself. I love to ride my motorbike! I ride whenever the opportunity arises and I also follow MotoGP racing, having travelled to several tracks following the sport. MOLLY GRAYBURN I started at Mac’s in 2012, working front-of-house for Baroosh in Staines-on-Thames. I then moved to the Baroosh in Cambridge in 2016, becoming assistant manager along the way. Two years later, I moved to Marlow and, after completing my Gold, I then moved to The Cricketers, Woodford. I love working for Mac’s – both the company and the people – so I’m very grateful for all the support I’ve had. You’ve been like family to me! Mat’s return In return, we’re wishing a warm welcome to Mat Dubois back to Destination, after making a big impression at the Bootmaker in Chelmsford and Baroosh in Marlow. We’re excited to be working with Mat again.

The story so Farr THE KING’S REACH We’re bidding a fond farewell to Natalie Farr, GM at In the Spring edition, the opening of The King’s the Coach & Horses and previously working at the Reach in Biggleswade was featured. Since that Prince of Wales and Sibthorpe Arms respectively. time, we’ve since learned that Scott, our General With well over ten years of service at Mac’s, she’ll Manager, unfortunately decided to move to new be greatly missed – with the National Trust picking pastures – but The King’s Reach continues to up her great services. grow! I’ve seen well-established pubs buckle under less strain, but the team at The King’s Reach are made of strong stuff. Roly, Iona, Jodie, Leigh and the entire team have been truly phenomenal – to put into context, this pub is a £4.5 million investment, and it could have gone horribly wrong, but The King’s Reach has gone from strength to strength by ensuring the basics were air-tight and by working together as a well-drilled team. Hats off to you! PEOPLE — www.mcmullens.co.uk 12 – 13

MKECEMPIUNLGLEN’S Geoff Pendleton introduces OUR very own IT crowd Ask a member of our IT team about guests make card payments from promotions, reducing the amount their typical day and they’ll probably their table; and tablets that allow of paper we use with new digital tell you there’s no such thing. The front-of-house teams to send orders systems, and installing new security team have to be ready to meet new directly to the bar or kitchen. measures to help us stay protected demands from across our pubs, against online attacks. We’re also head office and brewery – from We’ve also introduced online helping to roll out a new phone retrieving forgotten passwords to systems that let team members view system across all our pubs to improving the table-booking system. rotas, payslips and other information help us respond to guests’ calls wherever they are. Plus systems more efficiently. In the team we have Jan, a Mac’s for ordering and monitoring stock veteran who’s been with us for without messy piles of paperwork. In the meantime, we’ll continue to over 35 years, and Carlo, an reset plenty of passwords. And yes, electronic point of sale (EPOS) Right now, new initiatives mean as clichéd as it may be, sometimes expert. Together, they ensure that we’re busier than ever. For example, we will recommend turning it off and whether we sell a shandy or a lamb we’re setting up new menus and then on again. shank, the kitchen knows what to prepare, it’s sold for the right price and the guest has an accurate bill. Then there are Geoff and Chris, IT experts who look after our technical infrastructure and systems. In today’s connected world, pub guests expect more from us than ever. From deciding to join us for an evening out right until they pay their bill, we need smart systems in place to make their visit as convenient as possible. The company has made some big investments to achieve this, and it’s our job to put the right systems in place. In the last few years, we’ve worked with technology partners to introduce new and improved tills; Wi-Fi that lets

Namegame ComTpeitmitieon Give our new pub ? its title and win £100 worth of McMullen’s vouchers It’s an exciting time for Mac’s as we begin building our new pub. The problem is that we’ve run out of Royal babies to name it after! So, we’re calling on creative colleagues to help. The pub is part of a new development in Milton Keynes and will be one of our Destination Inns – where fresh food in a ‘Seriously Relaxed’ environment is the order of the day. A wharf has been built on the Grand Union Canal and our new pub will overlook the beautiful new marina. There will be great views of boats, canal-side pathways and the plethora of flora and fauna along the famous 200-year-old canal. So, it’s competition time! Although we’re already brainstorming new names in line with our recent pubs and Destination Inns concept, we want you to share your suggestions. If your choice is adopted, we’ll reward you with £100 worth of McMullen Pub Vouchers. And you’ll have a great tale to tell about the day you named a pub! PEOPLE — www.mcmullens.co.uk 14 – 15

Life'sa pitch Members of Mac’s took part Amongst other lucky guests, in a once-in-a-lifetime, money- they received a guided tour of can’t-buy opportunity courtesy the stadium and pitch, including of Heineken. On 10th April, Lee access to the changing rooms. Brooks, Vince Handscome, Guests were then divided into Claire Cummings and Jack Selby teams featuring ex-professionals donned their football gear for a Marlon Harewood and Jack matchday experience at London Collison, with fully-personalised Stadium – home of West Ham kits, warm-up routine and United Football Club. a 90-minute match on the expansive London Stadium turf.

PEOPLE — www.mcmullens.co.uk 16 – 17

Chef Ye2a0r19?WHO'LLBEOUR OF THE The search for 2019’s chef of the year is on, and clearly our chefs have been working harder than ever to perfect their recipes. Judges praised the quality and creativity of the dishes, saying that the first round was the best ever. After hours of discussion we had our finalists: ’’ Alex Ileana, Travellers Friend ’’ Caitlin Lucas, North Star ’’ Dave Maidment, Nags Head CG ’’ Eliza Dey, Jolly Farmers ’’ Lauren Hume, The Hare ’’ Shane Franklin, Three Horseshoes Congratulations to our talented six! They’ll join Vince Handscombe on a trip to the West Country to pick up some more food inspiration before the final on 11th September. CrTINHeE kaitticvhiteyn When our chefs’ kitchen teams ragu, Asian salad with goats’ l told us they wanted a chance to be cheese and whole baked trout with more creative, we listened. prawns and sunblush tomato – all of which tasted amazing. We invited kitchen managers from Destination Inns to spend a day The result: 17 new dishes that will in our development kitchen to give our guests plenty of exciting showcase their ideas. They created new options and ensure we some incredible dishes including continue to be safe and compliant. slow-cooked beef and chorizo Great work!

THE KITCHEN — www.mcmullens.co.uk 18 – 19

SummerCTASTING NOTES summer means long evenings, pub gardens... and some exciting new flavours Here’s what not to miss from our spring/summer menus: çç Chicken & Grill: try the baked çç McFayre: Go for the aubergine, camembert, or the spring vegetable butternut and hazelnut parmigiana, risotto topped with pulled rotisserie the minted pea risotto or seabass chicken. If you have a sweet tooth, fillets. Cherry pie is back on go for the limoncello sundae. the dessert menu too. çç Destination Inns: our sharing çç 2-4-1: find loads of new bundles are perfect for favourites like halloumi fries, summer evenings. crispy chicken burger and sweet potato and chickpea curry. çç High street: the Gloucester Old Spot and black pudding Scotch egg gets our vote – just so good!

THE KITCHEN — www.mcmullens.co.uk 20 – 21

EASTER DRAY VISIT Over the Easter weekend, Hertford Town had a very special visit from the one and only Easter Bunny – AKA Doug – and his helper Joely. Every year, we take our beautiful horse and dray out, stacked with Easter eggs for the children who visit us, plus some beer samples for the grown-ups. It’s a chance to show Hertford a bit of our heritage, get the locals trying a beer they may not have had before and treat the little ones. We had a fantastic sunny afternoon making plenty of children and beer drinkers very happy! STARS OF THE SHOW IN SUNNY ST ALBANS We may have had a questionable beers and the Rivertown dray with potential guests and reaffirm their summer so far but the sun was well our popular kegged products, love for our Heritage products. and truly shining on the bank holiday including our Pale Ale, Pilsner and weekend at the end of May – just in royally named Archie’s Ale. We had two brilliant, busy days with time for the Herts County Show. lots of support from show visitors. The show took place in St Albans and And to top it all off, our Sentinel Bar On Friday we packed up the Sentinel was another fantastic opportunity won third place out of all the stalls! Steam Wagon Bar with our Heritage to introduce our newer products to

Beer & MusicMac's Festival RAISES OVER £5,000 FOR CHARITY On Father’s Day weekend, over As well as live music, delicious 350 music and beer lovers visited street food and our full range of our Hertford Brewery for our annual beers, guests enjoyed sold-out Beer & Music Festival. And what a brewery tours hosted by Fergus and weekend it was! Tom McMullen and brewers Chris Evans and Jack Baron. Over just two days we raised £5,104.99 for our chosen charity Tom McMullen said: “We’re Keech Hospice Care, which delighted to be supporting Keech supports life-limited children again this year. Special thanks to throughout Hertfordshire, Luton our volunteers for their support and Bedfordshire. during the event.” MARKETING — www.mcmullens.co.uk 22 – 23

Raise the Roof On 20th July, The Old Beams in F£E3S,0TI0V0AFLORRACISHEASROITVYER Milton Keynes held Beamsfest in aid of the nearby Willen Hospice. In its fourth year, seven live acts gave their time to perform in the festival, with local firms kindly donating three terrific prizes for the raffle. Raising over £3,100, the event was a success – we’d like to thank the amazing community and workforce surrounding The Old Beams for their help and generosity on the day.

MARKETING — www.mcmullens.co.uk 24 – 25

MagicalHISTORY TOUR Rosemary Neale unearthed some surprising stories about our origins on her coach trip through time It was on a sunny Norfolk day in June little, other than details about that looked familiar. It was a 2014 that I took a punt on an unusual the famous Hertford McMullen Crescent Phaeton, exclusive to purchase. It was a traditional 19th family of brewers. Two years later, McMullen of Hertford – I could century carriage. still bugged by its true origins, hardly contain my excitement! I discovered that a property I’d started ‘driving’ a pair of 13.2 developer was selling apartments Osmond Henry McMullen and Welsh Section C ponies and this in Carriage Court, Hertford... on Alexander McMullen ran the beautiful four-wheeled model was the site of McMullen of Hertford, brewery in Hertford, taking over perfect. Its origins and manufacturer Carriage Builders! from their father Peter McMullen in were a mystery, though, until a the late 19th century. The McMullen wheelwright carrying out minor I dug deeper and contacted the Brewery was started in 1827 and, restoration work on the carriage brewery company’s marketing over the following years, Osmond solved the puzzle. “It’s a Crescent director who shared a newspaper Henry opened a side business – Phaeton by McMullen of Hertford,” he clipping of a carriage from 1886 a coach and carriage works. declared. “It says it on the axle caps.” I wanted to learn more but my investigations unearthed very

I discovered a book on the history of Hertford which references ‘the coachworks of Henry McMullen started as William Thompson’s Wheelwrights shop’. By 1898, London showrooms had opened and two more factories were established in St Albans in total employing 100 workers and creating an expanding export business. Fergus McMullen, the brewery’s current managing director and great, great, great grandson of Osmond Henry was excited to discover a carriage built by Osmond Henry still in existence and in working order. It was quite an emotional moment when he first climbed aboard! Amy Bracey writes of another discovery... My role involves advising carriage around for a carriage of this size The carriage ‘got me’ and owners about restoration. One and quality. Then I discovered the I’m now the fortunate owner. carriage, in a shed at the bottom of McMullen name on the axle caps! The upholstery needs attention a garden in Warwickshire, had stood and the paintwork needs a little stationary for two decades and There are now four vehicles known TLC. I’m hoping to get it in the the owner wanted to see it being to have been built by McMullen. show ring, put to a fell pony, enjoyed once more. I’d been casting Could there be any more? later this year. MARKETING — www.mcmullens.co.uk 26 – 27

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY | GORDON’S PINK GIN MEETS BERRIES

MEET OUR NEW TENANTS New tenants Dawn, Jason and Peter are here to breathe new life into our brilliant local pubs Dawn Hoddle Jason Bourke Peter Harte George IV, Sawbridgeworth The Sebright Arms, Barnet The Welsh Harp, Waltham Abbey Having first worked with McMullen’s Jason and his partner have fitted in Peter took over the Welsh Harp in in 1999 at the Horseshoes in very quickly at the Sebright with the late January. Together with his wife Sawbridgeworth (now The Orange business already trading healthily and team, he’s worked tirelessly Tree), Dawn knew the George IV against last year. to redecorate and relaunch the was the pub for her. So much so she business. Peter is another tenant waited patiently for two years to take While Backstreet Barnet is a tough who’d waited some time for the right it on. nut to crack, Jason’s got bags pub to come up, so we’re really of experience, having previously pleased to have him on board. The pub had been under the same reopened the Lytton Arms in tenancy for almost 12 years, so it Knebworth. He’s already reintroduced As a local lad, Peter is a perfect fit for was crucial that whoever took it on quality food and excellent service, the a close-knit community like Waltham knew the locals and regulars well. place looks fantastic inside and out Abbey and he’s already introduced With Dawn at the helm, the newly thanks to his hands-on approach to high operating standards and a refurbished pub is trading extremely decorating and maintenance. brilliant food offer. well and we’re expecting great things. FressthartTIMEFORA ? Are you a great chef? Wish you could be more creative at work? Can you train and lead a team? Our Pub Operator Agreements some of the larger business costs (POA) allow you to run your own such as utilities, rates and repairs, business, design your own menus letting you concentrate on delivering and train your own team with very excellent food. We can even discuss low set-up costs. We give you staggered deposit payments to help plenty of support and help with you get started. Think you could be the right fit? We’d love to hear from you! Call Luke Davy on 07717 572215 or email [email protected] Tenancy — www.mcmullens.co.uk 28 – 29

Hotfooting Claire Cummings from Mac’s Head Office took part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon, raising vital funds for Shelter UK. Claire said: “The weather on the day couldn’t have been better for my first ever big run. The energetic crowds and spectacles along the route were a brilliant distraction from the slowly passing mile signs!” Finishing the run in just over two and a half hours, Claire raised a terrific £680 – with only two toenails as casualties. EasyRiders On 8th June, the Plough in Sewardstone hosted the Home Counties Harley Riders’ second annual charity run, raising a total of £1,275. With proceedings heading to a worthy local charity, the group met at junction 26 of the M25, spending time at the nearby Harley-Davidson dealership to raise awareness and finishing at the Plough for a hard-earned after-party.

Try the Pinkster Winter Serve garnished with a clove-studded orange slice. EVENTS — www.mcmullens.co.uk Real raspberries. It’s a Pinks3t0e–r 3t1hing.

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